Sun Apr 11, 2010, 10:45pm
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Official Forum Member
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,057
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bas2456
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Why is a right-hander allowed to fake to third, with his foot on the rubber, and throw to first, but a left hander isn't allowed to fake to first with his foot on the rubber?
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bas2456,
The best rationale I've found explaining WHY it is illegal to feint to 1B, and how the rule evolved, is the following from JEA:
Quote:
Pitching rules in the late 1800's permitted feints to all bases without penalty. In 1899, however, that policy was changed and all feints to all bases were made illegal. That enforcement principle lasted only one year. In 1900, the rule we use today was adopted. A pitcher may feint to any base from the rubber (except first base) if he steps properly prior to the feint.
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The purpose of this rule is to allow a runner to get a practical lead. If feints were allowed, pitchers could hold
runners much closer at 1st base, and the offense would be stifled. The main purpose of the Balk Rule is to
encourage offense, not to stifle it.
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JM
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